Donuts Are the New Cupcakes

Cutesy cupcakes are as outdated as truffle oil. All over the country, these ubiquitous mini-cakes are being supplanted in popularity by the donut. Yes, the humble donut is receiving a gourmet makeover from pastry chefs with eclectic flavors and toppings. Even Williams-Sonoma has joined the bandwagon with a donut-shaped cake pan.

While trendy donut shops are opening up all over New York and Los Angeles, Miami still has a dearth of local, non-chain donut haunts. That's sure to change soon. Until then, you can order fancy fried dough at the Mandarin Gourmet Donut Shoppe. This Miami-based company delivers homemade donuts seven days a week for small orders, business meetings and parties. Their donuts are topped with crushed hazelnuts, dulce de leche drizzle, white chocolate and dark chocolate espresso. Fillings span blueberry with mascarpone cheese, caramelized apple pie, marshmallow crème custard and guava and cheese. They also make donut dots with dulce de leche and cocoa hazelnut flavors.

Mandarin Gourmet Donut Shoppe owner Michelle Vazquez notes that her company only uses eggs from cage-free chickens. Until they open their store in the Palmetto Bay area this summer, orders must be placed 24 hours in advance. They will continue delivery after the store opens.

Short Order predicts that the donut trend is going to escalate quickly in Miami. It won't be long before you will be seeing designer donuts at all of the chic South Beach parties. And that's a good thing.